Smartwatches and smartphones go hand-in-hand, and it was Apple’s first smartwatch, the Apple Watch, that really brought enthusiasm for smartwatches. Earlier this year in June, Apple announced a major watchOS upgrade, watchOS 3. Today, Apple follows up with an introduction to its first major upgrade to the Apple Watch itself, the Apple Watch Series 2.
Apple Watch Series 2 has been a highly anticipated follow-up to the first generation Apple Watch, and with its announcement comes some remarkable improvements that really take the Apple Watch to the next level.
Apple Watch Series 2 has been upgraded to a 2nd generation SiP, or S2, which means that Apple Watch Series 2 now runs on a dual-core processor, giving it 50% faster performance. Apple has also changed the original Apple Watch, now known as Series 1, to include this same dual-core processor. Series 2 also features a new GPU, giving the new Apple Watch faster graphics performance by 2 times. A new 2nd generation display has been added, and according to Apple is the brightest display that Apple has added to any of its products, greatly improving its daylight views.
A built-in GPS has been added for when you’re out walking or running and don’t feel like bringing your phone along. Series 2 also includes going from “splash proof” to “swim proof”. In addition, Apple has included some new swim workouts within Apple Watch for the swimmers out there.
Series 2 introduces a few new versions to its line-up, including a new ceramic Apple Watch, Hermes edition, and Apple Watch Nike Plus.
In addition to Apple Watch 2, Apple announced that the wildly popular Pokemon GO game will also be available on the Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Series 2’s pricing starts at $369, while the original Apple Watch will sell for $269. Apple Watch Series 2 will begin its pre-orders on September 9th, and will be commercially available starting on September 16th.
